Articles: service dog

The Animal Rescue Foundation Pets and Vets Program is quite incredible really. Taking homeless dogs and training them appropriately – with additional training from a veteran in need of a service dog for PTSD. That dog is paired with the veteran, which not only finds that pup an important home but also makes more space…

Flying with comfort animals/service animals has become very complicated in recent years. In part, because some abuse the system. However, in my view, the airlines themselves are also responsible as are ignorant pet caretakers. Delta Airlines said Monday that it will ban all emotional support animals on flights longer than eight hours and will ban…

Barbara Handleman, certified animal behavior consultant,  is the author of “Canine Behavior: A Photo Illustrated Handbook” talks about U.S. veterans needing service dogs in record numbers and training service dogs on my national Steve Dale’s Pet World radio show. Handelman feels strongly that so many dogs are not appropriately trained to do the real work…

Fighting for our nation, making all sorts of personal sacrifices for the good of country, you’d think our U.S. Veteran’s Administration would have their backs providing or at least supporting service dogs for veterans. According to the U.S. Veteran’s Administration (and other sources), there’s more Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Syndrome (PTSD) diagnosed today than ever…

Renata Block talks HERE on my WGN Radio Steve Dale’s Pet World show about Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and National Puppy Mill Awareness Day (that was September 16), and the Puppy Mill Project  Awareness March on Michigan Avenue. The march happened, but you can watch a part of it here. Buying from a pet store means…

Sara Bragg , director of the Pets and Vets program at the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), which was founded by baseball legend Tony LaRussa. Saving Both Ends of the Leash, the program launched in 2011 as a service to our U.S. military heroes. I talk about it on my national Steve Dale’s Pet World national…

When I first learned that Delta airlines is banning any dog identified as a pit bull, I truly thought this is “fake news.” It is that outrageous. However, it’s true, according to Delta’s own website.  Delta, which led the industry in March by updating its service and support animal policy, says it will further enhance its…

Do service dogs truly assist veterans who have returned from deployment with diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder syndrome (PTSD)? While there have been anecdotal reports and various studies, published research is somewhat limited. For this reason (and likely others, including budget) the Veterans Administration (VA) withdrew support of service dogs for veterans with PTSD under President…

A New York City-based performance artist, Ventiko, attempted to board a flight on January 28 from Newark Liberty International Airport to Los Angeles with an “emotional support” peacock. Ventiko had wanted to purchase a separate seat to take her celebrity bird on the cross-country flight, however United Airlines said the passenger had been told in…

Because so many people are taking advantage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding service animals, the limiting of animals allowed on airplanes was bound to happen eventually. And now, Delta Airlines has become the first company to do just that. The law is a bit ambiguous because when the ADA was created, the terms…